Job Posting: Part-Time K–5 Art-on-a-Cart Teacher (.25 FTE)
Location: The Emerson School, Portland, Oregon
Schedule: Part-Time (.25 FTE) | Approx. 1–2 days/week (exact days/hours to be determined)
Start Date: August 18
Application Deadline: Position open until filled
ABOUT THE EMERSON SCHOOL
The Emerson School is a public charter school located in the heart of Portland, Oregon, serving students in grades K–5. Our mission is rooted in creating a joyful, rigorous, and inclusive learning environment where students explore the world through a variety of long-term, student-led Projects. We are committed to nurturing curiosity, empathy, and collaboration while integrating academic content with real-world applications. At Emerson, learning is hands-on, student-centered, and deeply connected to the community.
Please read the “What You Need to Know about Emerson” document found on our website (emersonschool.org) for more specific information about our program.
POSITION OVERVIEW
We are seeking a creative and collaborative Part-Time “Art-On-A-Cart” Teacher to join our dedicated staff. This role is ideal for an educator who is passionate about integrating the arts with interdisciplinary, project-based learning in a K–5 environment. As an Art-on-a-Cart teacher, you will travel between classrooms to deliver engaging and developmentally appropriate arts instruction, with a strong emphasis on student process, exploration, and creative expression.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Design and deliver arts lessons to K–5 students, aligning with Oregon state standards and The Emerson School’s project-based learning approach.
Collaborate with classroom teachers and staff to address/integrate Project topics, curriculum content, and/or school celebrations (e.g. MLK Day, end of year celebrations, etc.) into the arts instruction whenever possible and appropriate.
Cultivate a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive art environment, even when teaching in shared or mobile spaces.
Manage and maintain art materials and mobile cart organization.
Highlight student creativity through in-school displays, portfolios, or exhibitions that celebrate artistic process.
Foster strong, positive relationships with students and contribute to Emerson’s respectful, student-centered culture.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Elementary Education, Fine Arts, or a related field.
Oregon teaching license preferred (may be flexible for the right candidate).
Prior experience teaching visual arts to elementary-aged children, especially in progressive, PBL, or integrated learning settings.
Excellent organization, classroom management, and adaptability in mobile teaching environments.
Commitment to equity, inclusivity, and the social-emotional development of young learners.
Strong classroom management and flexibility working in shared spaces.
Familiarity with, or willing to learn, Positive Discipline in the Classroom techniques
Familiarity with, or willing to learn, Project Approach
Able to work independently with little supervision
COMPENSATION & SCHEDULE
Part-time position (.25 FTE) — approx. 1–2 days per week (schedule flexible and to be determined collaboratively).
Compensation aligned with experience and school salary scale.
Opportunities for community involvement and curriculum collaboration.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The Board and employees of The Emerson School represent a diverse group of people who have a common commitment to the equality of opportunity for all. In alignment with our mission, The Emerson School is committed to the success of every student; to achieving equal educational and employment opportunity, and equitable outcomes regardless of address, income, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, language, nationality, race or ethnicity.
Persons of color and members of other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Dowload the Application here. Please submit the completed application form along with a cover letter and resume as attachments to info@emersonschool.org. Name the attachments with your last name, then your first name, and then the name of the document, as below:
Johnson.Jane.Application
Johnson.Jane.CoverLetter
Johnson.Jane.Resume
Please title the subject heading of your email with your full name and the words "Art Application" (“Jane Johnson Art Application”).